The selective system In some area o

The selective system
In some area of Britain, you can still find a different, and older, system of education (introduced in 1944). This is a selective system - children are selected for certain schools according to their ability. All children go to a primary school until the age of 11. They then take an examination called the 11-plus. Those who are successful go to a grammar school, where they receive a more academic education. Those who fail the exam go to a secondary modern school, where they receive an education which is less academic, and more intended to train them for a job when they leave at the age of 16.
The private (independent) system
About 7% of children go to private schools. There are three levels of private school - primary schools (age four to eight) and the preparatory (prep) schools (eight to 13). At the age of 13, children take an examination. If they pass, they go on to public school, where they usually remain until they are 18. Many prep and most public schools are boarding schools - the children live at the school during the school terms. Be careful - although these schools are called "public", they are, in fact, private, and it can be very expensive to send your child to such a school. Within the three systems, there are several varieties of schools. For instance, you can find.
schools for boys only
schools for girls only
mixed schools - for boys and girls
voluntary schools - often with a religious background - such as Roman Catholic schools.
You can see that the British education system is rather confusing. This chart will help: follow the arrows to see the possibilities that are open to British child up to the age of 16.